Golden beaches and unlimited drinks, in one shot. This catamaran day trip turns Costa de Papagayo into a chill, hands-on beach day with swimming time, kayaking, and an open bar that keeps the mood light. I like that it is not just a ride, you actually spend real time at the water stop doing the fun stuff.

You also get a proper onboard meal, plus a welcome mojito and Spanish tapas when you first step aboard. The one big catch to think about is seasickness. This is not recommended if you get motion sick, and the sea can decide how smooth the ride feels.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Open bar plus lunch: draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, water, and a full meal on board.
• Costa de Papagayo time at anchor: swim, snorkel, and paddle right from the boat.
• Kayaks included: use of kayaks is part of the package, not an extra cost.
• Weather can change the plan: if anchoring at Papagayo is rough, you may sail to a sheltered spot instead.
• Wildlife bonus on lucky days: some days include dolphins and even a pilot whale sighting.

Costa de Papagayo Catamaran, the value play for a Lanzarote beach day

If you want a Lanzarote day trip that mixes scenery with actual water time, this one works. You get a catamaran cruise, a long stop at one of the island’s most beautiful coastal areas, and an onboard setup that means you are not constantly thinking about where to eat or buy drinks.

At about one day total, the experience is structured around the water. The sailing time is short enough that you do not feel stuck in transit all day, and the main block is the anchored stop for swimming and activities. It also includes transfers from key accommodation zones like Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise, so you are not piecing together buses while half-relaxed.

Price-wise, $75 per person is the kind of ticket that only makes sense if you will use what is included. Here, the value comes from stacking multiple perks: the cruise, lunch, welcome mojito, open bar, and kayaking, all paired with transfers. If you show up hungry and thirsty, you will feel like you got a good deal.

Puerto del Carmen Harbour: boarding starts with mojito and Spanish tapas

Your day begins in Puerto del Carmen Harbour, meeting the crew directly at the catamaran in the last pier at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station. This matters because the port is large, and you do not want to wander around while others are already boarding.

When you arrive, you get a warm welcome with a mojito and a Spanish omelette tapas starter. The crew also gives a short intro to what you will do that day, plus live commentary while you cruise. Even if you only catch bits of the storytelling, it helps you understand what you are looking at as the coastline shifts from dramatic cliffs to open water.

Practical note: if you chose pickup, your exact pickup time and location are sent by email. A few people find the written messages easy to miss, so I recommend you check the email carefully and plan to be ready early. The staff are friendly, but the schedule is still a real schedule.

Sailing south on a sailing catamaran for about an hour

Once you board, the catamaran cruise heads toward the southern tip of Lanzarote. This is the part that feels like a break from the usual island hustle. You glide past volcanic coastline views with turquoise water that looks great from the deck, and the sailing motion makes it feel like a genuine sea day, not just a boat transfer.

This first leg is about an hour. That is a sweet spot, because you get that “we are out there now” feeling without losing the whole day before you can swim. You’ll also notice how the ship’s layout encourages people to spread out, grab shade or sun, and settle in. It is an easy-going way to start.

If the sea is choppy, the catamaran can still feel pretty stable, but it is still the ocean. If you are prone to motion sickness, do not ignore that warning in the fine print.

The Costa de Papagayo anchor stop: swim, snorkel, kayak, and stay flexible

The highlight is the stop in the Costa de Papagayo area. This is where the “day trip” actually becomes a beach-and-water adventure. You anchor and get free time for swimming and snorkeling, plus kayaking. You can also just kick back on deck and enjoy the sun if you want the quiet version of the day.

Key point: beach disembarkment is not included. That means you are not signing up for a beach stroll or a sand-based hangout as a guaranteed part of the program. The plan is water time from the boat.

Water activities: what you can actually do

• Swimming: you can jump in when conditions are right.
• Snorkeling: snorkeling is included as an activity, but snorkeling equipment is not listed as provided.
• Kayaking: use of kayaks is included, and there are multiple kayaks available.

A few practical tips from how people describe the day:

• Kayaks can be first come, first served, so if you care about paddling, aim to get started early during the stop.
• If you want to snorkel comfortably, consider bringing your own mask and snorkel, or at least plan to be ready with what you have. Equipment is not guaranteed as part of the package.

Weather reality: Papagayo can become a “nearby” spot

Wind and weather can change the anchoring plan. On some days, anchoring at Papagayo itself may not be possible, and the crew will choose a sheltered spot nearby instead. I like how this is handled, because it protects your time on the water. The trade-off is that you may not get the exact same view angle as the calmest postcards.

Either way, you are still getting that anchored swimming experience, and that is the core of the trip.

Lunch on board: paella, tomato pasta, and fruit that keeps you going

Lunch is served on board during the main stop time. You get a choice between traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, followed by a fresh fruit bar. This is not a tiny snack. People describe it as filling, with generous portions, which matters because you are spending hours in the sun and sea.

What I like about having lunch on the boat is the timing. You are not rushed off to find food, and you do not lose your spot to lines or long walks. You can eat, cool down a little, then jump back into the water while the group is still in that same “vacation mode.”

If you have dietary needs like vegetarian or celiac, the provider says catering is possible with prior notification. That is worth doing early, so the crew can plan properly.

The open bar setup: mojitos at the start, sangria and beer all day

Drinks are one of the biggest reasons people love this trip. You get a welcome mojito at boarding, and after that, there’s an open bar with unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water. Draft beer and sangria are the star pair here, with soft drinks and water to balance the fun.

A helpful detail: the vibe tends to be social. Music is often played and people get into the atmosphere. If you are traveling with a birthday, a group of friends, or just want a looser day on vacation, this kind of open-deck, open-bar format feels right.

Two practical reminders though:

• There are rules against intoxication, so do not treat this like a drinking contest.
• If you are worried about seasickness, alcohol can sometimes make it worse. Go easy and keep sipping water, especially before you head back out.

One more thing I respect: staff support. People report that when someone felt sea sick, the crew was attentive, offering help like ice packs and sick bags. That kind of responsiveness can make the difference between a rough day and a manageable one.

Wildlife chances near Lanzarote, dolphins and more

Lanzarote waters can be alive. On some sailings, people have reported dolphins, even right near the bow as you turn back toward harbour. There is also at least one account of a pilot whale sighting.

Now, nobody can guarantee wildlife on the day. But I like that the tour runs long enough and out far enough to make sightings possible. If you get that bonus, it turns the return sailing into something memorable instead of just a ride back.

Transfers and timing: what your day feels like from hotel to port

You have two ways to plan: either you go to the harbour yourself, or you use optional pickup from the nearest meeting point to your accommodation. If you pick pickup, the exact time and location are confirmed by email after booking.

Drop-offs are spread across a long list of hotels and stops, including areas like Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca. Your return time is around 3:00 pm, with transfer service waiting at the port for you. That makes it easier to plan the rest of your afternoon without feeling stuck late into evening.

Timing is also built around the water blocks. The sailing legs are about an hour each way, with the Papagayo stop being around two hours. So most of what you will remember is not the transit. It is the anchored swimming and lunch window.

What to pack so the day stays comfortable

This is a sea-and-sun day, so pack like you mean it. At minimum, bring comfortable shoes for getting around the harbour, plus swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen and a sun hat are non-negotiable in Canary Island sun.

A few other items from the recommended list that I think you’ll actually use:

• A jacket, especially if it gets breezy during sailing.
• A camera, because the coastline views from deck are worth recording.
• Sunscreen reapplies during long water time.

Also think about the boat’s layout. People describe toilets being down steep stairs below deck. If you have any mobility challenges, this is something to factor into your comfort level, since it is not the easiest setup.

Who this Papagayo catamaran is best for, and who should skip

This trip is great for people who want a mix of relaxation and activity. You get the option to snorkel and kayak, but you also have deck time if you just want to float, sunbathe, and watch the coast slide by.

Families often like it too. Activity options like kayaks, jumping in, and general water play keep kids engaged, and life jackets are mentioned as available for adults and children. It is still a social boat day, so the atmosphere is more adult-lounge than a silent, family-only cruise.

Who should not book:

• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The trip is not suitable for these needs.
• People with motion sickness. This is explicitly not recommended if you get carsick at sea or on rides.
• Party groups are not allowed, even though the day can feel upbeat.

Should you book this Lanzarote catamaran to Papagayo beaches?

I would book this if you want a straightforward, high-value day focused on time on the water. The combination of open bar, a real lunch, and included kayaking makes it feel like you are paying for an experience package, not just a boat ride. If you like to swim and you want your day to feel easy, this is a strong pick.

I would skip it if you hate boat movement, need a guaranteed beach on land, or you have mobility limitations that would make stairs and deck access difficult. Also, if you are expecting snorkel gear to be provided like a typical tour, plan to bring your own just in case.

If your ideal Lanzarote day is simple, fun, and packed with time in the sea, this catamaran to Costa de Papagayo is exactly that.

FAQ

Where do I meet the catamaran in Puerto del Carmen?

You meet at the catamaran directly in Puerto del Carmen Harbour, at the last pier at the far end of the harbour, past the petrol station.

Does the tour include lunch and drinks?

Yes. You get onboard lunch with traditional Spanish paella or pasta with tomato sauce, plus a fresh fruit bar. Drinks include a welcome mojito and unlimited draft beer, sangria, soft drinks, and water.

Is kayaking included?

Yes. Kayaks are included, and you’ll have time during the stop to use them.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you should plan to bring your own if you have specific gear preferences.

Can I go onto the beach?

Beach disembarkment is not included. The time at Costa de Papagayo is for swimming and snorkeling from the boat while anchored.

What time does the catamaran return?

The catamaran returns to port at approximately 3:00 pm, with transfers waiting for drop-off afterward.

Is this tour suitable for people with motion sickness or mobility issues?

No. It is not suitable for people with motion sickness, and it is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.